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ARCHIVE: Food industry

One of the functions of the Defra Food Policy Unit is to work with the part of the food supply chain beyond the farm gate. This part of the supply chain includes the food and drink manufacturers (including alcoholic drinks), food retailers, the food service providers and the wholesale/distribution sector. These account for a total estimated gross value added of £73.4 billion (2007), as well as 18.8% of national part-time employment and 8.7% of national full-time employment (2008).

The food and drink manufacturing sector is the single largest manufacturing industry in the UK, accounting for 14% of the total manufacturing sector, and is central to the food supply chain.

As the principal  contact in Government for this sector, we want to work with all parts of the industry to a foster competitive, vibrant, diverse and sustainable industry  which produces food to high standards of quality, safety and animal welfare and which is responsive to consumer needs. This is encapsulated in two of Defra’s DSOs (Departmental Strategic Objectives), i.e.:

  • DSO6 – a thriving farming and food sector
  • DSO7 – a sustainable, secure and healthy food supply

In addition, we work to ensure that the interests of the supply chain and consumers are fully reflected in the development of UK and EU policies that affect them. So far as the supply chain is concerned, we pay particular attention to the Government’s better regulation objectives and have close links with BIS and with principal regulators, such as the Home Office, Department of Health, the Food Standards Agency and the Environment Agency.   To assist with this work we have established the Food Industry Better Regulation Group.

Page last modified: 21 July 2009
Page published: 21 July 2009